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Synthesizers

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    Keyboard Synthesizers

    Spotlight

    Self-contained keyboard synths have an immediacy that is seldom matched by synth modules or software instruments. There's a great variety of them available at the moment, but how do you know which one is right for you? Here’s a selection of the models we've looked at over the last couple of years, with links to the SOS reviews, to help you decide.

    Reviews Mar 2012
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    Arturia Analog Experience

    The Laboratory

    The latest addition to Arturia’s Analog Experience series takes their hybrid software/hardware synth concept even further.

    Reviews Jan 2012
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    Yamaha MOX6

    Synthesizer Workstation

    Yamaha’s MOX range offers unusually tight integration with your DAW. Is this the way forward for synthesizer workstations?

    Reviews Jan 2012
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    Roland Jupiter 80

    Performance Synthesizer

    The Jupiter 8 looms large in synthesizer history, and any synth bearing the name has a lot to live up to. Is the Jupiter 80 destined for the same legendary status? Find out in our world‑exclusive review...

    Reviews Aug 2011
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    Korg Kronos

    Keyboard Workstation

    Korg really know what they're doing when it comes to workstations, and their new one has been eagerly anticipated. Meet the Kronos in our world exclusive review...

    Reviews May 2011
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    Arturia Origin Keyboard

    Synthesizer Workstation

    Arturia have taken their Origin concept further with the addition of a keyboard and new modules. So is it now the only synthesizer you'll ever need?

    Reviews Mar 2011
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    Kurzweil PC3LE7

    Keyboard Workstation

    Kurzweil's new workstation maintains the company's reputation for solid reliability, and does so at a lower cost than you might expect...

    Reviews Mar 2011
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    Arturia Analog Experience The Player & The Factory

    Synth Keyboards

    Arturia's Analog Experience range pairs tweakable preset soft synths with dedicated controller keyboards. We put the first two to the test...

    Reviews Jan 2011
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    Korg Microstation

    Keyboard Workstation

    Korgs latest keyboard blurs the boundaries between their affordable Micro range and their pro workstations.

    Reviews Sep 2010
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    Formanta Polivoks Synthesizer | Audio Files

    Hear For Yourself

    The Formanta Polivoks is becoming an increasingly familiar sound to Western ears — it is, for example, all over Franz Ferdinand’s most recent album Tonight. But for those who haven’t heard this mighty Russian beast in action, Sam Inglis created a few examples to accompany Gordon Reid’s Retrozone feature.

    Reviews Jul 2010
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    Formanta Polivoks Synthesizer

    The Story Of The Polivoks

    The fall of the Iron Curtain revealed a surprise for Western musicians: a flourishing Soviet synthesizer industry. Its flagship instrument was crude, cheaply made, horrible to play — and sounded like nothing else...

    Reviews Jul 2010
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    Korg Microkorg XL

    Synthesizer & Vocoder

    The hugely popular Microkorg — the worlds best-selling synth for the past few years, according to its makers — has gained what Korg describe as a big brother. Will it repeat the success of its sibling?

    Reviews Jul 2009
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    Waldorf Blofeld Keyboard

    Digital Synthesizer

    Waldorf build on the success of their Blofeld synth by adding not only a keyboard, but also sample RAM.

    Reviews Apr 2009
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    Korg M3 Xpanded

    Sampling Workstation

    The M3 workstation, already a powerful beast, has gained impressive new features and an Xpanded name tag. Is it now top of its class?

    Reviews Feb 2009
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    Roland Fantom G

    Keyboard Workstation

    Roland's Fantom workstation reaches its fourth generation with the 'G' series. So just how great is the Fantom family's great-grandchild?

    Reviews Jan 2009
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    Moog Voyager Old School

    Analogue Synthesizer

    The Voyager Old School sees Moog returning to their roots, but is there a place for an all-analogue, 1970s-style synth in the 21st century?

    Reviews Dec 2008
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    Korg M50

    Synthesizer Workstation

    Is there still a place for the workstation in the computer dominated studio of 2008? Korg certainly think so, and they're making a compelling case with their brand-new, touchscreen-equipped M50, offering much of the power of the acclaimed M3 for around half the price. Our world exclusive review digs deeper...

    Reviews Oct 2008
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    Arturia Analog Factory Experience

    Software Synth & Hardware Controller

    Arturia's 'hybrid instrument' teams a custom keyboard with their massive synth patch library plug-in. Is this the way forward for hardware/software integration?

    Reviews Jul 2008
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    Waldorf Blofeld

    Digital Synthesizer

    In 2004 it looked like game over for Waldorf, but the German company are back, with a hardware synth that more than lives up to their former reputation...

    Reviews Jun 2008
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    Clavia Nord Wave

    Performance Synthesizer

    Clavia are as well known for their instruments' red livery as they are for the quality of their virtual analogue synths. The new Nord Wave has definitely got the colour scheme, but can it live up to the sonic reputation of its forebears?

    Reviews May 2008
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    Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08

    Analogue Synthesizer

    The reputation of Sequential Circuits is up there with the likes of Moog and ARP, but is the first Prophet in 20 years a worthy addition to that heritage or a cash-in on former glories?

    Reviews Feb 2008

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